Bone broth has gained significant popularity in recent years, with people incorporating it into their diets for its various health benefits. In this article, we'll dive into the experiences of a regular bone broth consumer, Rita. She has been drinking bone broth since 2015 and experienced significant improvements in her gut health.
Rita first tried bone broth when her nutritionist confirmed she had a leaky gut, and she started consuming a popular bone broth brand. She felt that drinking it sealed her gut, reduced her food sensitivities, and alleviated her symptoms. Rita continued to drink bone broth on and off until she was diagnosed with SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), a gut condition that causes bloating, gas, and other digestive issues. She did a food sensitivity test and identified several ingredients she should avoid. (Note: Oftentimes, if you have a leaky gut, it can become SIBO. A functional doctor or functional nurse practitioner are the best to do the testing for SIBO.)
Rita realized that she needed to get back to drinking bone broth regularly, but the popular brand she was used to was causing her to bloat. She then stumbled upon Beth’s Bountiful Bone Broth, which offered a broth without allergens and garlic. Consuming it helped her feel better again. Rita's energy levels improved as her bloating decreased, and she started using bone broth as a protein source after workouts. She initially drank a cup a day, but she now drinks half a cup every other day to maintain her health and keep her symptoms at bay.
When asked about her experience with different bone broth brands, Rita mentioned that she had tried others, but they did not appeal to her taste buds. She found Beth's Beautiful Bone Broth to be simple, effective, and tasty without the onion and garlic. Rita also appreciated that the broth contained tallow, which she used when making home-baked fries. Rita credits bone broth for her overall health improvements and is grateful for its benefits.
Bone broth has helped people like Rita improve their gut health, reduce food sensitivities, and alleviate symptoms of gut-related conditions. Rita caught her SIBO early with the help of a nutritionist. Learn more about overcoming SIBO with bone broth and a low FODMAP diet, here.
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How to Know if You have SIBO
While bacteria are normal and healthy for the large intestine, an overgrowth in the small intestine can lead to a host of unpleasant symptoms.
The symptoms of SIBO are primarily related to the digestive system and can include bloating, gas, abdominal pain or discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation. Many people also experience non-digestive symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and brain fog. These symptoms can be severe and significantly impact a person's quality of life.
How SIBO is diagnosed
SIBO can be diagnosed through a breath test, which measures the amount of gas produced by bacteria in the small intestine. During the test, the patient will drink a solution containing either lactulose or glucose and then breathe into several glass vials that they are then supposed to send to a lab. That lab measures the amount of gas in their breath. If there is an abnormal increase in gas production, it may indicate the presence of SIBO. Other diagnostic tests, like blood tests or stool tests, may also be used to rule out other conditions.
It's important to note that not all cases of SIBO are the same. There are different types of SIBO, which can require different treatments. For example, methane-dominant SIBO may require different treatment than hydrogen-dominant SIBO. It's important to work with a healthcare provider who can properly diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual's needs.
How to Know If You Have a Leaky Gut
Leaky gut is different from SIBO in that SIBO involves an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, while leaky gut involves damage to the intestinal lining. While the symptoms may overlap, the underlying causes and treatments are different.
There is no single test to diagnose leaky gut, and many healthcare providers are still skeptical about its existence. However, some tests may be used to assess intestinal permeability, including the lactulose/mannitol test, which measures the amount of sugar that is absorbed through the intestinal lining, and the zonulin test, which measures a protein that is involved in the regulation of intestinal permeability.
It's important to note that leaky gut is a complex condition that can have a variety of underlying causes, including chronic stress, poor diet, and overuse of medications like antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Regular consumption of bone broth could be an effective way to support your digestive health. If you're interested in trying bone broth as a natural remedy for SIBO or leaky gut it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it's safe for you. To learn more about why you should chose bone broth made from grass-fed or pasture-raised bones, if you have SIBO or leaky gut, read here.
The Importance of Eliminating Anti-Inflammatory Foods from Your Diet
If you have inflammatory conditions like SIBO or IBS, eliminating anti-inflammatory foods can be a crucial step in managing your symptoms. Foods such as dairy, gluten, alcohol, sugar, and fried foods are known to cause inflammation in the body, which can worsen symptoms such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. By removing these foods from your diet, you may be able to reduce inflammation and improve your overall gut health. However, it's important to note that eliminating these foods should be done in conjunction with proper medical treatment and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. This is because eliminating certain food groups can also lead to nutrient deficiencies. Nevertheless, if you have inflammatory issues, avoiding these pro-inflammatory foods may be a crucial step towards managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
If you have questions, you can contact Beth at Beth’s Bountiful Bone broth here.